Therapy LED Ceiling Wellness Shower: A refined wellness experience, designed into your everyday routine

Somany Ceramics, a pioneer in ceramic solution have for long, understood that modern bathrooms are spaces where people pause & reset in order to function and begin again. The French Collection shows this shift in thinking, where design alongside comfort & everyday wellness come together with clarity and intent. The Therapy LED Ceiling Wellness Shower carries that idea forward with a focus on experience that feels both intuitive and immersive. 

Thoughtfully integrated into the ceiling, the shower maintains the visual continuity of the space. Its presence carries a quiet grandeur, elevating the space without disrupting its visual flow. What truly defines it is its design and the way it performs the moment you step in. With its expansive 590 × 480 mm form, it envelops you in perfectly balanced water flow, delivering a truly indulgent, full-coverage shower experience. 

Therapy LED Ceiling Wellness Shower: A refined wellness experience, designed into your everyday routine

The shower is thoughtfully designed around three distinct water modes, each crafted to upscale the overall experience. The rain mode delivers a soft albeit steady flow that mirrors natural rainfall and brings a sense of calm to the body. The shower curtain mode creates a more enveloping experience – one where water flows in a controlled cascade and surrounds the user in a continuous as well as comforting stream. The whirl jets mode introduces a more focused & energising flow – all with defined streams that help stimulate the body and relieve fatigue. Together, these modes let you transition effortlessly between deep relaxation & revitalising refreshment. 

An integral part of the experience is the LED mood lighting, subtly adding another layer of control to the space. The lighting is designed to work in harmony with the water – thereby allowing users to create an ambience that aligns with their mood. From creating a calm, soothing ambience to an energised setting, the lighting subtly enhances the experience, making it more immersive. 

The finish of the Therapy shower showcases the same level of thought. Available in Chrome and Rose Gold PVD, it brings a sense of finesse to the space, also ensuring durability along the way. The finishes integrate seamlessly into both minimal and more expressive bathroom designs – thus maintaining a consistent visual language. 

The Therapy LED Ceiling Wellness Shower brings together design alongside functionality & sensory comfort – all in a way that feels effortless. It brings a simple idea to life: the ability to choose how you want your shower to feel and transforms it into a thoughtfully refined experience. Over time, it becomes a part of your daily rhythm, where a few moments under the shower recalibrate your pace, restoring balance that lingers long after you step away.

EnerVenue Names Henning Rath CEO, Secures $300M Series B Extension Led by Full Vision Capital

FREMONT, Calif.  March 31st, 2026 – EnerVenue Holdings, Ltd. (“EnerVenue”), a company commercializing energy storage solutions designed to behave like durable infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Henning Rath as Chief Executive Officer alongside the closing of a U.S. $300 million extension of its Series B preferred stock financing round. The extension round was led by Full Vision Capital, included an additional new investor, and signifies renewed enthusiasm for the energy storage technology innovator.

Rath, an internationally recognized technology executive with a distinguished record of building billion-dollar companies with deep expertise in the global energy sector, guided the company to this successful funding milestone. The capital will accelerate EnerVenue’s transition from advanced technology maker to high-volume manufacturing industrial leader.

“Henning’s leadership has been pivotal in positioning EnerVenue for this growth phase,” said Dr. Yi Cui, chairman of EnerVenue. “His strategic vision and operational credibility were instrumental in building investor confidence and closing this significant round. His deep expertise in industrial scaling and global market execution is exactly what EnerVenue needs to achieve its ambitious manufacturing and deployment goals.”

Signaling an advancement of prior company strategy, the capital will support the rapid scale-up of EnerVenue’s high-volume manufacturing operations in Changzhou, China – known as the world’s epicenter of battery manufacturing expertise. The shift allows the company to optimize its cost structures, leverage the region’s unrivaled battery know-how, and service its expanding global customer base more efficiently. The funding will also accelerate supply chain development and commercial expansion.

R&D, conducted in Silicon Valley, California — home to technology innovation — will focus on enhancing the company’s next-generation, aqueous metal cells, which offers a unique combination of durability, safety, and low total cost of ownership, creating significant demand for utility, commercial, and industrial storage applications.

To expand its global footprint, EnerVenue is supported by a strong base of strategic investors, including Aramco Ventures. Over the coming months, the company plans to expand its commercial operations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. “We see EnerVenue’s high potential for its disruptive energy storage technology that can transform the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure and utilities at scale,” said Ionel Nechiti, Investment Director at Aramco Ventures.

“This $300 million extension of Series B preferred stock funding is a testament to the strength of EnerVenue’s technology and the entire team’s execution,” said Rath. “This capital provides the foundation to invest decisively in our technology roadmap, secure the supply chain for gigawatt-scale production, and build a robust global customer footprint. Our short and mid-term capacity targets of 250 MWh and 1 GWh are now fully funded.”

“We invest behind exceptional leadership and foundational technology,” said Alan Chan, Managing Partner at Full Vision Capital, who co-founded EnerVenue and led the investment for this round. “Rath’s proven track record and clear operational strategy for scaling EnerVenue were critical factors in our investment decision. This partnership and new capital will enable the critical investments needed to establish EnerVenue as a global player in long-duration energy storage.”

Prior to EnerVenue, Rath was Managing Director and Chief Supply Chain Officer at greentech unicorn Enpal, Germany’s leading residential renewable energy provider and one of Europe’s top green energy platforms. Before Enpal, Rath built CIRC, the renowned e-scooter startup that was later acquired by Bird, where he led the Asian markets. Rath began his career as an engineer after earning his Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Master of Business Administration at UoAS Muenster. While gaining experience in global markets including Germany, Australia, India, and China, Rath also further studied at both Stanford and Harvard Universities.

Prince of Madinah Province Patronizes the Opening Ceremony of the Third Edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum

Business Wire India

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Prince of the Madinah Province, emphasized that the honour of serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors has never been a fleeting responsibility. Rather, it is a deeply rooted approach upon which this country was founded since its unification by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud—may Allah have mercy on his soul. The nation’s wise leadership has continued this path up to this prosperous era, with the Kingdom continuously mobilizing all its capabilities to serve the Two Holy Mosques and care for their visitors.

This statement was made during His Highness’s patronage of the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum. The event, attended by His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, is organized by the Ministry in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program at the King Salman International Convention Center from March 30 to April 1, 2026.

He explained that the forum serves as an extension of the care provided by this blessed country, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may Allah protect them. This falls within the state’s ongoing commitment to enhancing services for the guests of Allah.

The Prince of Madinah Region noted that the experience of the Umrah pilgrim and visitor is not limited to performing rituals; it extends to becoming a comprehensive journey rich in meaning, connected to the roots of this great religion and the depth of Islamic civilization that originated in this blessed land. Therefore, efforts are integrated to develop services, improve their quality, and enrich the experience of the guests of Allah through qualitative projects, effective partnerships, and advanced employment of technologies—primarily Artificial Intelligence (AI)—to provide a smooth, safe, and inspiring experience.

He highlighted that the forum is gaining increasing importance as a global platform that brings together experts, stakeholders, and investors to exchange experiences, discuss opportunities, and forecast the future of the Umrah and Ziyarah sector. This enhances the integration of efforts, elevates service levels, and achieves the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

His Highness expressed his gratitude to His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, all ministry personnel, and participating entities for their tremendous and continuous efforts to develop this vital sector, praying to Allah to reward them with success and recompense.

During a tour of the accompanying exhibition, the Prince of Madinah Region reviewed the pavilions on display alongside the forum’s activities. Held under the theme “A History Told at Every Stop,” the exhibition features 150 exhibitors from government entities, service providers, and non-profit organizations.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah delivered a speech at the ceremony, stating: “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may Allah protect them—give the utmost care to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.” He explained that, with the support and empowerment of the wise leadership, the number of Umrah pilgrims from abroad exceeded 18 million, achieving a 214% growth rate between 2022 and 2025. Meanwhile, the satisfaction rate among Umrah pilgrims rose to 94% in 2025.

He pointed out that at the Prophet’s Mosque, the visitor capacity for the Rawdah Sharif doubled, reaching over 15.6 million visitors last year, while the number of developed historical and enriching sites and destinations increased to 87.

Regarding digital transformation, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah revealed that the number of users of the “Nusuk” application has surpassed 51 million worldwide. He also noted the launch of several partnerships with global travel platforms, which have helped facilitate the planning process for arriving Umrah pilgrims and expanded their options.

Then, the CEO of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Turki bin Mohammed Al-Shuwaier, delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may Allah protect them—for their support and care for scientific and cultural projects that contribute to preserving Islamic heritage and reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural identity, including the “Historical Atlas of the Prophet’s Biography.”

Following that, the CEO of Al Rajhi Support Commercial Services, Eng. Bandar bin Abdullah Al Rajhi delivered the official sponsor’s speech. He praised the tremendous care given to serving the guests of Allah and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque, which serves as an extension of the established approach laid down by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud—may Allah rest his soul—and continued through the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

After that, the Prince of Madinah Region inaugurated a project to name the neighborhoods, streets, paths, and avenues within the Rua Al Madinah project. Implemented by Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, the naming project aligns with the development’s planning philosophy.

Afterwards, the Prince of Madinah Region witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and various entities related to the Umrah and Ziyarah ecosystem. His Highness also handed out the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum awards, granted to outstanding entities in the sector, as well as awards for Umrah companies and external agents.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Prince of Madinah Region honoured the success partners from supporting and contributing entities, in recognition of their roles in making the forum a success and reinforcing its journey as a global platform that helps shape the future of Umrah and Ziyarah.

Tamam Finance Taps TrafficGuard to Curb Fraudulent Installs, Boost Attribution Integrity

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 31st March – Tamam Finance, a leading digital financial service, chose TrafficGuard to protect mobile attribution integrity and drive growth by eliminating ad fraud. By implementing TrafficGuard’s Mobile App fraud prevention solution, Tamam and global media agency partner OMD MENA were able to take real-time control over mobile attribution quality. This enabled them to redirect investment towards genuine, incremental performance, resulting in US$120,000 in projected annual media efficiency improvements.
 
TrafficGuard’s solution allows Tamam to make better informed budgetary decisions with clean, trustworthy attribution signals. The analysis flagged that up to 66% of Tamam’s installs were potentially invalid or misattributed traffic, reinforcing the need for advanced fraud prevention controls. It was deployed and integrated at click level, install level, and post-attribution level to prevent fraudulent clicks and impressions from reaching the mobile measurement partner (MMP) from the first interactions. This enabled OMD and Tamam to protect mobile app budgets, improve MMP attribution, and ensure future growth in a more secure and transparent mobile advertising environment.
 
“Mobile ad fraud prevention has become increasingly critical for fintech growth teams. Fraudulent installs, misattributed conversions, and invalid post-install activity are draining budgets, distorting optimisation signals, and redirecting spend away from genuine customer acquisition,” said Mathew Ratty, CEO at TrafficGuard. “By deploying TrafficGuard’s Mobile App solution, Tamam and OMD MENA are proactively blocking invalid traffic across the full install journey, from click validation through to post-attribution analysis. With clean MMP data powering their decisions, they have the confidence that their campaigns are driving real users and genuine growth.”
 
Tamam Finance is a digital financing service and the first company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be licensed by the Saudi Central Bank to provide digital financial solutions tailored to individuals. Tamam offers Shari’a compliant instant approval financing for up to 50,000 Saudi Riyals in a quick, easy, secure and fully digital solution.
 
When user acquisition decisions are grounded in verified attribution data, optimisation becomes significantly more effective,” said Thamer Almuhaysin, Digital Marketing Manager at Tamam. “With TrafficGuard validating installs and filtering invalid traffic across our app campaigns, we’ve been able to trust our MMP data, sharpen budget allocation, and drive genuine, sustainable growth.
 
TrafficGuard is a multi-award winning platform that detects, mitigates, and reports on digital invalid traffic and ad fraud before it hits advertising budgets, trusted by thousands of global businesses including enterprise brands operating across highly competitive verticals such as finance, eCommerce, travel, and gaming. In February, TrafficGuard expanded its operations in the U.S. as part of a robust growth pipeline, with plans to significantly expand its team in the region and enable brands to boost their revenue and confidently scale advertising campaigns by eliminating non-genuine, non-incremental, and wasteful traffic across paid media.

Financial Planning Standards Board Seeks Candidates for 2027 Board of Directors

DENVER, COLO – 31 March 2026 –  Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the nonprofit, standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession and owner of the international CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification program, is seeking nominations for three open three-year positions on FPSB’s Board of Directors, beginning 1 April 2027. Nominations should be submitted to the FPSB Nominating Committee Coordinator at nominations@fpsb.org no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Friday, 22 May 2026.

FPSB is seeking nominees that will complement the talents of its continuing Board members and who can meaningfully contribute to FPSB’s strategic vision and future business development. Nominees must be able to provide tangible value in one or more of the following areas:

  1. Financial regulatory experience: As the global standards-setting body operating across diverse regulatory environments, FPSB welcomes nominees with a strong background in financial regulatory matters, such as a former financial regulator. 
  1. International business experience: FPSB administers the CFP certification program across the world and welcomes nominees who can bring the perspective of financial services / planning in Africa and Asia, including individuals with a background in building the financial services / financial planning industry in these regions.
  1. Perspectives from the next-generation of professionals: To ensure FPSB remains forward-looking and responsive to younger financial planning professionals’ needs, FPSB encourages nominations from the next generation of leaders in financial planning, generally considered to be individuals under 40 years of age.
  2. Experience in allied professions: As FPSB seeks to future-proof the financial planning profession, FPSB seeks nominees who have strategic experience with standards setting, education development, and / or credentialing program development and management in allied professions, such as accounting or law.
  3. Technology platforms or Education technology (EdTech) solutions expertise: As FPSB and its network of organizations stay abreast of evolving education delivery models, FPSB welcomes nominees who have experience in planning, developing or delivering technology platforms or EdTech solutions, preferably with a focus on AI enabled technologies within the financial services or certification industries. 
  1. Public interest / consumer advocate perspective: As a nonprofit association with a public-interest mission, FPSB welcomes nominees who have expertise in understanding how its programs and standards can best be leveraged to benefit consumers, or similar nonprofit experience relevant to the financial services or certification industries.

“FPSB is seeking Board leaders who reflect the profession’s global reach and future direction,” said incoming 2026 FPSB Board chairperson, Caroline Dabu. “From regulatory leadership and international market development in Africa and Asia, to next-generation‑ professional insight, education innovation and consumer advocacy, these capabilities will help ensure FPSB continues to uphold rigorous global standards that expand access to competent and ethical financial planning advice worldwide.”

FPSB’s Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the organization’s administration of its public interest mission and vision; developing governing policies that address the broadest levels of all organizational decisions and situations; identifying needs and advocating on behalf of FPSB’s stakeholders; and overseeing organizational performance and providing strategic guidance to FPSB’s CEO. As the preeminent standards-setting organization for financial planning worldwide, FPSB and its network of organizations span across 29 territories, which together represent more than 236,000 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals worldwide.

Nominees for FPSB’s 2027 Board of Directors must be able to participate in English-language meetings and cannot be a staff member, director or office holder with an affiliated organization. FPSB strongly prefers that CFP professional nominees have senior-level volunteer experience with FPSB or an FPSB affiliated organization and the endorsement of their affiliate organization. FPSB expects to finalize its selection for the FPSB Board in October 2026.

For more information on FPSB Board member duties and responsibilities, view the FPSB Board Member Role Description.  

GMEX Robotics Advances Development of Intelligent Robot Chassis

SYDNEY, Australia, March 31, 2026  — GMEX Robotics Corporation (NASDAQ: GMEX) (“GMEX Robotics” or the “Company”), a developer of AI-powered robotic technologies, announce today that it is advancing the development and integration of its Intelligent Robot Chassis, a key innovation designed to enhance the resilience, mobility, and operational safety of autonomous robots across industries. In connection with this technological advancement, GMEX is in the process of securing intellectual property recognition in key markets, including Southeast Asia, China, Australia, and the United States, as part of its broader technology strategy.

“This next-generation chassis represents another milestone in GMEX Robotics’ ongoing commitment to advancing core robotics technologies,” said Sam Lu, CEO of GMEX Robotics. “With our expanding technology portfolio spanning robotic control systems, perception algorithms, and electromechanical hardware, we continue to strengthen our ability to deploy resilient autonomous systems globally while creating long-term value for our shareholders. Integrating this innovative technology into our R&D ecosystem enhances operational performance across multiple sectors.”

The Intelligent Robot Chassis addresses one of the most critical challenges in robotics: protecting internal components from damage caused by uneven surfaces, shocks, and vibrations during movement. By integrating multi-stage buffering systems, including a primary buffer member and multiple secondary buffer members, the chassis minimizes bump amplitude, reducing the likelihood of damage to sensitive sensors, actuators, and onboard computing systems. The chassis incorporates three core technologies, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), Active Vibration and Shock Isolation, and Thermal and Environmental Management, transforming robots from fragile assemblies into resilient, self-aware systems that maximize operational uptime and return on investment.

The Intelligent Robot Chassis acts as the GMEX robot’s central nervous system, combining structural design with sensors, actuation, and onboard processing to ensure safe operation in complex environments. Key applications include:

  • High-Risk Inspection and Public Safety: Robots in disaster zones, nuclear sites, or bomb disposal missions use smart suspension and traction control to protect expensive sensors and tools from damage
  • Field Robotics (Agriculture and Mining): Chassis absorb shocks from rocks, debris, and rough terrain, keeping sensors and processors safe in orchards, mines, and other tough outdoor environments
  • Medical and Surgical Support: Delivery robots in hospitals detect collisions and protect fragile medications or lab samples while navigating crowded corridors
  • Logistics and Warehouse Automation: Heavy-load robots monitor and adjust for weight and motion to prevent damage to motors, navigation systems, and payloads
  • Urban Delivery and Last-Mile Robots: Sidewalk robots adjust clearance for curbs and obstacles and alert maintenance if the chassis or payload is compromised

GMEX Robotics continues to advance commercialization efforts for this technology across industrial, commercial, and public safety sectors, leveraging its internal and external expertise to develop autonomous navigation, human-robot collaboration, and precision control capabilities.

A browser built for SMBs: NordLayer launches NordLayer Browser

The new NordLayer Browser offers small and medium-sized companies comprehensive, streamlined, and optimized advanced security through a user- and business-friendly experience

NordLayer, a toggle-ready network security platform for businesses from the cybersecurity leaders that created NordVPN, has officially launched the NordLayer Browser — an enterprise-grade solution tailored to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). To safeguard company operations, it integrates browser-native security, enhanced observability, and access management and control into a single platform, delivering a familiar and intuitive experience for users with effortless deployment and management for businesses.

“Companies increasingly depend on web-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications. Consequently, the browser has become the new endpoint,” says Andrius Buinovskis, head of product at NordLayer. “Traditional consumer browsers with no built-in security controls are insufficient to safeguard organizations in the current cyberthreat landscape. However, existing enterprise browser solutions are too complex and demanding for SMBs. The NordLayer Browser fills the market gap by delivering streamlined, advanced security that is simple to deploy and effortless to use.”

Leading research and advisory firm Gartner predicts that by 2028, 25% of organizations will deploy at least one secure enterprise browser technology to address specific gaps in their cybersecurity strategy. Gartner also predicts that by 2030, enterprise browsers will be the core platform for workforce productivity and security software on managed and unmanaged devices for a seamless hybrid work experience. These predictions are a direct response to cybercriminals frequently targeting employees via web-based and SaaS-use related attacks, like phishing, malicious browser extension campaigns, and account takeovers, that call for an additional layer of control and visibility within the browser.

A browser built for SMBs: NordLayer launches NordLayer Browser

The lack of dedicated IT staff, coupled with limited cybersecurity budgets, makes SMBs an attractive target for cybercriminals. A report from NordStellar, a threat exposure management platform, revealed that SMBs — companies with up to 200 employees and revenues up to $25 million — bore the brunt of all ransomware attacks last year.

“The NordLayer Browser reflects a deep understanding of SMB cybersecurity needs and is backed by extensive industry experience,” says Buinovskis. “It offers deep observability, browser-native security, as well as access management and control without the complexity, rigidity, deployment challenges, or enterprise price tag. All of the features are designed to empower IT admins while maintaining a seamless browsing experience for employees.”

Key solutions of the NordLayer business browser include:

  • Shadow IT management. The browser provides visibility into SaaS usage and helps mitigate shadow IT activity through web activity monitoring, browser extension tracking, domain blocking, and a comprehensive activity log.
  • Browser data loss prevention (DLP) elements. DLP elements restrict camera, microphone, file downloads, and clipboard access to prevent data capture and exfiltration on untrusted websites. This helps organizations limit uncontrolled data movement and reduce the risk of data leaks.
  • Secure browsing capabilities. The browser enhances security through IP anonymization to hide the user’s address as well as web threat protection that blocks malicious or deceptive websites before they load. Category-based DNS filtering further restricts access to websites based on predefined categories for safer browsing.
  • SaaS access control. The NordLayer Browser secures access through single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access and maintain compliance. A dedicated IP feature enables IP-based control for internal and SaaS applications, while administrators can configure access to internal websites via a private gateway with a fixed, allowlisted IP address for secure connectivity.
  • Zero-trust browsing. The browser securely manages how the browser traffic flows and what users can access. It routes traffic through approved gateways, provides secure tunnels to private resources, and enables security administrators to allow or block connections to internal and cloud services.

Digital Trust Index 2026: AI Skepticism and Identity Access Friction Are Costing Revenue

Business Wire India

 

  • 93% of IT leaders are deploying GenAI, but only 23% of consumers trust companies that use AI to handle their data.
  • Friction at sign-up, login, and onboarding is causing customer abandonment and revenue loss, with 68% of consumers switching due to website issues.
  • 69% of consumers trust companies more when MFA (multi factor authentication) is used, 68% say the same about passkeys.

 

Thales today released the 2026 Digital Trust Index, one of the most comprehensive global studies of digital trust. Surveying more than 15,000 consumers, business partners, and IT decision makers across 13 industries, the research reveals that digital trust is won or lost during sign-up, login, and throughout the lifecycle of personal data handling.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331668723/en/

 

 

Beyond banking’s clear lead, the rest of the sectors fall well behind in consumer confidence. ©Thales

Beyond banking’s clear lead, the rest of the sectors fall well behind in consumer confidence. ©Thales

 

 

Consumer Trust is Won or Lost at Login
For consumers, digital trust often begins at login. Yet, 57% reported problems accessing a website in the past year, and 68% abandoned or switched providers due to slow performance or complicated sign-up processes. When access feels too slow or intrusive, 33% switch to a competitor or abandon the attempt, while 36% delay engagement or look for alternative channels.

 

Consumers are not demanding speed at the expense of security. Forty-five percent say they prefer stronger security checks, even if sign-ups take longer, compared to 22% who favor faster access with lighter protections. Familiar safeguards help build confidence, with 69% saying multifactor authentication increases trust and 68% saying the same about passkeys. Still, only 16% say they clearly understand how companies collect and use their personal data.

 

 

AI Adoption Outpaces Trust
As organizations accelerate their use of generative AI, 93% of IT leaders say they are already using, deploying or planning AI initiatives. Yet consumer confidence has not kept pace: only 23% say they trust companies to use AI responsibly with their data, while 77% remain concerned about AI agents acting on their behalf online.

 

 

Trust Gaps Widen as Banking Pulls Ahead
The 2026 Digital Trust Index shows the gap between the most trusted sectors and the rest widening sharply. Banking stands out as the clear trusted sector at 57% (up from 44% in 2025), making it the only industry where more than two in five consumers feel comfortable sharing personal information online. Most other sectors continue to operate in a trust deficit, where the disconnect between what organizations believe they deliver and what users actually experience drives abandonment, time-consuming workarounds, and increased risk.

 

 

Beyond banking’s clear lead, the rest of the sectors fall well behind in consumer confidence. Government services rank second at 40%, followed by healthcare at 35%. Trust declines sharply beyond these top sectors, with insurance (23%) and education (15%) forming a distant second tier. Consumer-facing industries score much lower, including retail (10%), social media (9%), entertainment (7%), and hospitality (6%), while news media (5%), logistics (4%), and automotive (3%) rank at the bottom. Overall, consumers place the greatest online trust in sectors responsible for managing sensitive personal data and essential services, while entertainment, media, and platform companies face lower confidence.

 

 

Friction Fuels Delays and Risk for Partners
For business partner users, access reliability directly affects project delivery and revenue. Onboarding remains inconsistent as only 22% receive login credentials immediately, and just 30% get full permissions on first access, creating delays that ripple across sales cycles and customer commitments. When official processes lag, risky workarounds emerge. Sixty-six percent admit to sharing or borrowing credentials, often because of slow provisioning, creating hidden security debt and increased breach risk.

 

 

IT Leaders See the Risk but Struggle to Close the Gap
The 2026 Digital Trust Index shows IT leaders recognize the importance of modern authentication. Eighty-seven percent say offering passkeys is important, yet only 49% currently do so. This gap represents both risk and opportunity as consumers expect stronger, seamless security.

 

 

“The 2026 Digital Trust Index shows that as AI adoption is accelerating, trust is struggling to keep pace,” said Danny DeVreeze, Vice President of Identity and Access Management at Thales. “When AI simply helps people work faster, confidence is high. But when AI starts acting autonomously and making decisions or interacting with systems on a user’s behalf, people begin asking harder questions about security, control, and accountability.”

 

 

Architecting Access as Business Strategy
The Digital Trust Index 2026 shows that identity and access management are commercial levers, not back-office functions. Trust improves when authentication and permissions are reliable, adaptive, and clearly explained. When they are slow or opaque, abandonment rises, credential sharing spreads, and revenue leaks. Organizations that modernize authentication, limit unnecessary data collection, provide permission visibility, and deploy AI transparently will be best positioned to compete in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy.

 

 

Methodology
The research was conducted by Vanson Bourne in January–February 2026, surveying 14,300 consumers, 1,300 partner users and 200 IT decision makers across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, the UAE, South Africa, Singapore, Japan and Australia.

 

 

About Thales

 

 

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

 

 

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

 

 

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

 

 

 

 

 

ExaGrid Named a Finalist for the Network Computing Awards 2026

Business Wire India

ExaGrid®, the world’s largest independent backup storage vendor providing Tiered Backup Storage with the most Comprehensive Security and AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock for Ransomware Recovery, today announced that it has been nominated in 11 categories for the annual Network Computing Awards.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331887370/en/

 

 

 

ExaGrid has become a finalist in the following categories:

 

  • Data Protection Product of the Year
  • The Return On Investment Award
  • Air Gapped Ransomware Recovery Product of the Year
  • Storage Product of the Year
  • Hardware Product of the Year
  • The Customer Service Award
  • Enterprise Product of the Year
  • New Product of the Year
  • Product of the Year
  • Company of the Year

 

Additionally, ExaGrid is nominated for the “Bench Tested Product of the Year” award determined by judges after an independent product review of the ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage SSD and HDD appliances with AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock for Ransomware Recovery.

 

Voting to determine the winner in each category is underway now and closes on May 14, 2026. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on May 21, 2026.

 

 

“ExaGrid is the largest independent backup storage company in the industry and is committed to offering the best backup storage product that meets all the requirements that midmarket to large enterprise organizations need for their backup storage. ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage offers the fastest backup and restore performance to keep users productive, a scale-out architecture that keeps backup windows fixed-length as data grows, and the most comprehensive security with ransomware recovery,” said Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid. “We are honored to be nominated for the Network Computing Awards 2026, and we look forward to the awards ceremony in May.”

 

 

About ExaGrid
ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, scale-out architecture, and comprehensive security features, including AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock to recover from a ransomware attack. ExaGrid’s Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The Repository Tier offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid’s scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and forced product obsolescence. ExaGrid offers the only two-tiered backup storage approach with a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), delayed deletes, and immutable objects to recover from ransomware attacks.

 

 

ExaGrid has physical sales and pre-sales systems engineers in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, Chile, CIS, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nordics, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and other regions.

 

 

Visit us at exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and learn why they now spend significantly less time on backup storage in our customer success stories. ExaGrid is proud of our +81 NPS score!

 

 

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Bhilwara Sur Sangam 13th Edition Announced by LNJ Bhilwara Group

NEW DELHI, March 31, 2026 

The LNJ Bhilwara Group is proud to announce the return of its premier Indian classical music festival, Bhilwara Sur Sangam, for its 13th edition. The two-day cultural landmark will be held at the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, on April 4 and 5, 2026. Established as a cornerstone of the capital’s cultural calendar, the festival continues its mission of celebrating India’s profound musical heritage by providing a prestigious platform for both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. This year’s curation promises an immersive experience of raga-based performances, further solidifying the event’s reputation for bringing together the country’s most distinguished vocalists and instrumentalists.

LNJ Bhilwara Group Announces 13th Edition of ‘Bhilwara Sur Sangam’: A Grand Confluence of Classical Maestros in New Delhi

The festival’s opening evening on April 4, starting at 6:00 PM, will feature a diverse lineup beginning with the evocative vocals of Shri Bhagyesh Marathe. The program will then move into a brilliant instrumental showcase featuring the celebrated Saraswathi Veena exponent Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh. On the second day, April 5, beginning at 5:30 PM, the evening will open with a sitar recital by Shri Samanway Sarkar, followed by a much-anticipated vocal performance by the legendary Pt. Mukul Shivputra. Known for his profound mastery of the khayal tradition, Pt. Shivputra’s presentation is expected to be a highlight for connoisseurs seeking depth and spiritual resonance in classical music.

Organized annually by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, Bhilwara Sur Sangam reflects the conglomerate’s long-standing commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting cultural sustainability across generations. By bridging the gap between established maestros and discerning audiences, the Group seeks to preserve the sanctity of classical traditions in a modern landscape. The 2026 edition is expected to draw a significant gathering of music enthusiasts, cultural patrons, and critics from across the region. Entry to the performances remains open to invitees and registered attendees, continuing the festival’s legacy as an essential and accessible gathering for the classical music community.

About LNJ Bhilwara Group 

The LNJ Bhilwara Group is a multi-disciplinary conglomerate with a legacy spanning over six decades. Beyond its industrial leadership in textiles, graphite electrodes, and power, the Group is deeply invested in social and cultural philanthropy. Through initiatives like Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the Group actively promotes the preservation of India’s classical performing arts, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural identity continues to thrive.